Moleskin - Traditional Clothing and Materials

Pretty
much the whole time I was in Antarctica I wore moleskin trousers
- pants. They are versatile enough to be worn
indoors and out. Contrary to the impression the name may give,
they are made neither of the skin of moles nor the kin of moles.

Moleskin is a wonderfully comfortable, tough and hard-wearing
cotton fabric that is as tough as leather but as soft as velvet
to the touch. Substantial on their own, extra warm with long
underwear and warm and weather proof with wind or water-proofs
on top.

100% cotton moleskin fabric embodies the endurance and tradition
of the rugged lifestyle for which it was created. First developed
in medieval Europe, this cloth was worn by farmers and the sporting
gentry alike, offering warmth, protection, and comfort in varied
conditions.

Like corduroy, moleskin has a softer brushed nap that is
very wind resistant. Though the pleasant feel of the fabric
seems like a luxury, this sheared pile actually protects the
surface from abrasion and wear. This texture resembles
suede or the downy coat of the mole, its namesake.

Casual wear, if I could I'd wear them all
the time, forget jeans or combats or slacks or anything else,
these are the nicest practical leg-wear you can have for cooler
climates. Lightweight moleskin pants have a surprisingly wide
temperature comfort range, I wear mine perfectly well on their
own up to about 70°F and down to around 25°F.